Flat White vs Latte: Espresso Drinks Compared

In the world of speciality coffee, two drinks often steal the spotlight: the flat white and the latte. Whether you’re a long-time espresso enthusiast or just starting to explore the café scene, you’ve probably seen both names on the menu and wondered: ‘What’s the real difference between a flat white and a latte?’

Though they look similar, a flat white and a latte are distinct in both flavour and texture. The confusion often comes from how varied coffee culture can be worldwide, and even from café to café. One person’s silky latte might be another’s foam-filled flat white, you get the idea.

In this post, I’ll cut through the crema and explain precisely what separates these two beloved beverages. From origins and ingredients to serving size and strength, here’s everything you need to know in the ultimate flat white vs. latte breakdown. 

What Is a Flat White?

The flat white may be a modern staple in coffee shops across the globe, but its roots are a little more debated. Ask an Aussie, and they’ll proudly claim it as an Australian invention. Ask a Kiwi, and they’ll tell you it’s a New Zealand original. Either way, the term “flat white” first popped up in the 1980s, likely as a shorthand for “white coffee-flat,” meaning espresso with milk but minus the towering foam typical of a cappuccino. 

At its core, a flat white is a simple yet elegant blend of espresso and steamed milk topped with a thin layer of microfoam. Microfoam is silky, velvety milk with tiny bubbles that blends beautifully with the coffee. Most flat whites are made using a double shot of espresso, giving the drink a bold, concentrated flavour. 

What sets the flat white apart is its texture and intensity. The milk is steamed to a smoother consistency than a cappuccino, but without the generous foam of a latte. That means more milk integration, less air, and a denser, richer mouthfeel. This allows the espresso’s flavours – chocolatey, nutty, fruity, frangipane, or whatever the bean offers – to shine through with minimal dilution. 

A typical flat white is served in a 6 to 8-ounce cup, which plays a big role in its flavour strength. Less milk means less masking of the espresso, making the flat white a favorite for those who love their coffee bold but balanced.

What Is a Latte?

While the flat white may be the bold upstart of the espresso world, the latte is the comforting classic. Short for caffè latte, which literally means “milk coffee” in Italian, the latte has long been a favorite in European cafes and global coffee chains. Unlike its Aussie/Kiwi cousin, the latte’s roots are firmly planted in Italy. However, the drink as we know it today (especially the towering, foam-capped versions found at Starbucks) is a much more recent evolution.

A traditional latte is made with one or two shots of espresso, followed by a generous amount of steamed milk, and finished with a small layer of light foam on top, just enough for latte art, if your barista is feeling creative. The overall experience is smooth, mellow, and just slightly sweet from the steamed milk, making it especially appealing to those easing into the espresso world. 

In terms of texture, the latte is creamier and less intense than a flat white. The milk is slightly thicker and foamy, creating a more cushioned drink that goes down easily. It’s more about the balance between espresso and milk rather than emphasising the espresso itself. 

Lattes are typically served in larger cups, ranging from 8 to 12 ounces. That extra volume means more milk and a milder, more diluted flavour compared to the punchier flat white.

The latte is your go-to beverage if you like a comforting, smooth, and milk-forward espresso drink that feels like a warm hug in a cup. If you like dark chocolate, caramel, slightly nutty, and warming spicy notes, I recommend using Dijmma Ethiopia coffee, as it has bags of character.

Key Difference Between Flat White and Latte

Although the flat white and the latte share similar ingredients, espresso and steamed milk, the way they’re made and experienced is quite different. Here’s a breakdown of the key differences that set these two drinks apart:

• Milk-to-coffee ratio: Flat whites typically have a higher espresso-to-milk ratio, resulting in a more intense coffee flavour. Lattes use more milk, which softens the espresso and makes the drink milder and creamier. In my opinion, the best lattes are served in a 1:6 ratio of espresso to milk.
• Milk texture: Flat white uses microfoam, a silky, velvety milk with tiny bubbles that’s fully integrated into the espresso. Latte features steamed milk with a slightly thicker layer of foam, often used to create latte art. 
• Strength of coffee: Flat whites pack a stronger espresso punch because less milk dilutes the coffee. Lattes are milder and more balanced, ideal for those who prefer a softer coffee profile. 
• Serving size: Flat whites are generally served in a 6-8 oz cup, making them smaller, more concentrated drinks. Lattes are usually served in a larger cup (8-12 oz or more), emphasising the milkier, creamier profile. 
• Flavour profile: Flat whites highlight the nuanced flavours of espresso, with a smoother texture and less milk sweetness. Lattes have a more mellow flavour, with the milk bringing a natural sweetness that softens any espresso bitterness. 

While both drinks are delicious in their own right, your choice often comes down to how much you love the taste of espresso and want to experience the subtle differences in the beans, such as dark chocolate and hazelnut Brazil. 

Latte vs Flat White: Which One Should You Choose?

Flat white or latte? Choosing between a flat white coffee and a latte, I think, often comes down to your taste preferences and how you like your coffee experience. Both are espresso-based and use steamed milk, but the final flavour, texture, and feel are very different. 

Why Choose a Flat White

Pick the flat white if:

• You enjoy a stronger coffee flavour with less milk dilution.
• You like a smaller, punchier drink that puts the espresso front and center.
• You prefer a silky texture with minimal foam and a smoother, richer mouthfeel.
• You’re looking for a bold morning pick-me-up that gets straight to the point. 

Why Choose a Latte 

Go for the latte if:

• You enjoy a milder, milkier flavour that softens the edge of espresso.
• You like a larger cup of coffee that lasts longer and feels more indulgent.
• You’re newer to espresso drinks and want a gentler introduction.
• You love latte art and the creamy texture of foamed milk. 

Occasions also matter. A flat white is perfect whenever you need a quick, focused caffeine boost. While a latte is ideal for a relaxing break, especially if you’re sipping slowly while working or chatting. 

Of course, both drinks are highly customisable. You can add vanilla, caramel, oat milk, or go dairy-free. Remember that the base experience will still differ depending on which one you start with. 

Flat White vs Latte: FAQs

Q: Is a flat white stronger than a latte?

Yes, generally speaking, a flat white has a stronger coffee flavour because it contains less milk and is usually made with a double shot of espresso. That means the espresso taste shines through more clearly than in a latte. 

Q: Is a flat white just a latte without foam?

Not quite. While both drinks contain espresso and steamed milk, a flat white uses microfoam, which is finer and silkier than the foam found on a latte. It’s also smaller and stronger, with a different mouth feel. 

Q: Why do people like a flat white?

Many coffee lovers prefer a flat white for its balance of strength and smoothness. It lets the espresso flavours come through while offering the creamy texture of steamed milk. Flat whites are often described as having a velvety feel that blends seamlessly with the coffee. 

Q: What is the strongest milk coffee?

In terms of flavour, the flat white often tops the list due to its high espresso-to-milk ratio. However, drinks like a macchiato or cortado are even more concentrated, though they’re smaller in size. 

Q: Why do Australians love flat whites?

The flat white is a point of pride in Australian coffee culture. It represents a no-fuss, well-balanced drink that emphasises espresso quality over excess milk or froth. Aussies tend to favour a strong yet smooth flavour profile, and the flat white delivers exactly that.

Conclusion

While the flat white and latte may look similar at first glance, their differences are clear once you take a sip. The flat white offers a bold, espresso-forward experience with silky microfoam, while the latte provides a creamier, milkier drink with a gentler touch. 

Whether you prefer strong and punchy coffee or smooth and mellow, there’s no right or wrong choice – just personal preference. If you’re unsure, try both! The best way to find your favourite is to explore, experiment, and enjoy. Next time you visit your favourite local coffee shop – or fire up your home espresso machine – order a flat white and a latte side by side. You might just discover your new go-to brew.